Pakistan‚ Japan ink Rs 2.1b agreement on security equipment

Pakistan and Japan have signed Rs. 2.1 billion agreement regarding provision of security equipment to Pakistan.Secretary Economic Affairs Division Nargis Sethi and Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Inomata signed the agreement in Islamabad on Thursday.The security equipment includes 14 arms and explosive detectors‚ 3 vehicle and 3 cargo scanners. Explosive detectors will be installed at Islamabad‚ Karachi and Lahore airports.According to a press statement Thursday, the grant will be utilized for installation of high tech explosives, vehicle and cargo scanning systems at Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad airports. This will contribute significantly towards counter terrorism efforts of the Government. Secretary, Economic Affairs Division while appreciating the Japanese support expressed the Government’s resolve to further strengthen development cooperation between the two countries.Government of Japan is an important bilateral development partner of Pakistan providing loan assistance in irrigation, roads and power distribution sectors. Japan also extends grant assistance for social sector development besides technical cooperation which covers provision of Japanese experts, equipment and trainings. We are really grateful to the Government of Japan for their continued support and assistance to the development efforts in Pakistan.While thanking the Japanese Government, the Secretary EAD said that is an important bilateral development partner of Pakistan providing loan assistance in irrigation, roads and power sectors. She said that the present Government is committed to take all necessary measures for improving the situation and therefore Japanese support in this regards is highly valuable.The Secretary EAD expressed the confidence that installation of explosive detection as well as vehicle and cargo scanning systems at Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad Airports would contribute significantly towards making these airports more secure. The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Mitsuyoshi Kawasaki, Chief Representative JICA Pakistan and representative of the Aviation Division.